Probate Trust Administration

Ocala Probate Attorneys: Trust Administration and Estate Planning

If you have been given the responsibility of probating a loved one's estate or administering a trust, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the task in front of you. If so, you're not alone. Most people, in fact, find it difficult to understand the steps involved and the legal duties that go hand-in-hand with the job of serving as a personal representative (executor) or trustee. You may want to consult with a probate attorney in Ocala for assistance, especially if you live somewhere else.

At The Florida Legal Advocacy Group, P.A., we can answer any questions you may have about these roles and show you how to manage the probate and trust administration processes in accordance with the law and your legal obligations as a fiduciary.

Two sets of steps are used to probate most Florida estates. The first is called "summary administration," which is faster and somewhat less involved process. The second is known as "formal administration." In either case, the basic tasks involved will likely include:

Opening a probate case with the appropriate court

Notifying statutory heirs (if no will) or named beneficiaries

Providing notice to known creditors of the decedent

Publishing a notice to creditors unknown with a deadline for making claims against the estate

Gathering, appraising and protecting the assets of the estate

Paying legitimate creditor claims and any taxes due (if any)

Managing the distribution of assets left over in accordance with the will or Florida's intestate succession laws

Closing the estate

Trust administration is similar to probate in some respects but very different in others. Because the specific tasks a trustee must accomplish depend in large part on the language in the trust, this job will vary in each case. Our lawyers will be happy to review the trust you've been charged with overseeing and will be able to give you clear directions for fulfilling your trustee duties after that.

Estate Planning Attorneys in Ocala

If you don't have a will or a trust, or it has been a while since you reviewed it with a trusted adviser, The Florida Legal Advocacy Group can help. Our Estate Planning Attorneys can help you understand what you do have in place, make adjustments for changes in your situation, or start from square one. You have worked your whole life to provide for your family. No one likes to think about what things will be like when they are no longer here, but it is necessary. Why would you want to leave anything to chance? Let our estate planning specialists help you design a plan that is perfect for you and your family.

Call Our Office For A Free Consultation

We can provide the road map for your probate or trust administration needs. Together we'll see this process through to a successful conclusion. Just call our Ocala probate attorneys toll free at (352)732-8030 or contact us by email and we'll make arrangements to meet with you at a convenient time and place.